To start off what is likely to be my shortest post of the series, I'd like to take a moment to thank Sean Jackson for reading every single post. Its nice to hear back from people and hear another opinion on the matter. Jackson brought up a good point about the first base debacle with the suggestion of Russ Canzler, who just last season was the Triple-A Player of the Year for Durham. I personally was saving him as an outfield option, but he could play first base as well. In fact, with Hafner coming off the books this winter, I could really see Canzler fitting in as the 4th outfielder/DH/first baseman, providing he can hit major league pitching. More on him later though.
Third base is such a boring position for the Indians, with a similar situation to second base. Lonnie Chisenhall is no longer the future at third base. Once the 2013 season rolls around, he should be named the starter. He has had some tough luck on the injury front, breaking his wrist this year shortly after he was called up, but its nothing to be worried about. We're not talking about Grady Sizemore-type injuries here, where hammys are being pulled or obliques torn or something like that. Its a broken wrist. I see it more like a Shin-Soo Choo injury, where you get back on the horse and ride again with no problem.
The interesting part about it will be what they decide to do with Jack Hannahan. I personally love the guy, his attitude, and really appreciate the way he plays the game. I just don't know if he'll have any interest in staying with a team that won't compete and he'll just be a backup. I see him being a great fit on someones roster as insurance for an oft-injured starter, but there's no way the Indians can justify paying $1.4 million for a backup. All that being said, if Jack was willing to be a backup and could also play first base, I'd keep him, but I know that's pretty unrealistic.
Final verdict for the Tribe third basemen: Hannahan let walk. Chisenhall pray he gets/stays healthy.
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